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activity of Garrison has been prevention of illegal immigration from
China.
5. Garrison consists mainly of Units from Brigade of Gurkhas; four
of the six Gurkha battalions now serve in Hong Kong Gurkha battalion in Brunei is available for reinforcement, and about half of Hong
Kong Garrison's training takes place in the State. Governor has
stressed importance of keeping a Battalion familiar with Hong Kong
nearby for reinforcement in the event of disturbances. Mr Luce is
familiar with current position over agreement with Sultan.
6. For geographical reasons, the Hong KongGarrison has provided
most of British element in exercises under auspices of Five-Power
Defence Arrangements; small detachment is sent as an Honour Guard
for Commonwealth Liaison Mission in Korea. Since withdrawal from
our main commitments East of Suez Garrison has no wider strategic
role, but provides valuable cover for UK and Allied intelligence
activity.
Naval Deployments
7. MOD are planning naval deployment to the Far East from September
1983 to March 1984. This originally included visit to Hong Kong by 4 ships, including HMS Invincible.
8. Deployment was announced in general terms in Parliament in July.
Newspaper article wrongly suggesting that twelve ships, led by HMS Invincible, would be visiting Hong Kong, was picked up by Chinese. They made it clear informally in Peking that they would strongly oppose such a visit. Invincible's visit to Hong Kong now under review by FCO and MOD; final decisions will probably have to be
taken in early November.
9. South China Morning Post reported on 3 September, on basis of
error made on telephone by MOD spokesman, that large Task Force led
by Invincible would visit Hong Kong in February or March. We have instructed Hong Kong and Peking to take line with press or in response to any Chinese MFA enquiry, that details of second half of
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